Our Chevy Suburban High Country suffered sudden engine failure resulting in the vehicle to shake and smoke while driving on a busy intersection. The dealership diagnosed internal engine mechanical failure at only 46,000 miles. I believe this is directly tied to the known GM 6.2 L87 engine issues.
2021 Chevrolet Suburban engine complaints
Page 2 of 5: complaints 11 to 40 of 102, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Sudden Loss of Power & Shaking: The misfire itself causes a drastic drop in acceleration. If you are merging onto a highway or trying to pass another vehicle, the sudden loss of power can leave you stranded in the path of oncoming traffic. No Stability Assistance: Because StabiliTrak and Traction Control are automatically disabled, the vehicle loses its ability to correct for skids, fishtailing, or hydroplaning. In rain, snow, or emergency swerving maneuvers, a heavy SUV becomes much harder to control. "Limp Mode" (Reduced Power): To prevent the unburned fuel from a misfire from destroying the expensive catalytic converters, the vehicle may force itself into a "Reduced Engine Power" or "Limp" mode. This limits your top speed (often to around 30 mph), which is highly dangerous if you are in the fast lane of a highway. Violent Transmission Shifting: To protect the drivetrain from the erratic power dips of a misfiring engine, the vehicle's computer will maximize transmission fluid pressure. This causes the Suburban to shift gears incredibly hard, which and feel as though the transmission is exploding
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious engine and safety issue with my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with the GM 6.2L engine, with approximately 45,000 miles. The vehicle has developed a noticeable and abnormal shaking/vibration coming from the engine. At the same time, the vehicle experiences a significant loss of power, at times becoming so severe that the engine feels as though it is going to shut off. This is a serious safety concern. A sudden loss of engine power could occur while driving in traffic, accelerating, merging, or traveling at higher speeds. The vehicle may become unable to accelerate properly or could potentially stall, creating a significant risk of a collision. I am concerned that this issue may be related to a defect affecting GM's 6.2L engines. The fact that this is occurring at approximately 45,000 miles is particularly concerning, as an engine should not experience this type of severe shaking and loss of power under normal operating conditions. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate this issue and determine whether there is a safety-related defect affecting the GM 6.2L engine used in the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and other GM vehicles. I am reporting this because I believe the sudden loss of power and potential for the engine to shut off could endanger the occupants of the vehicle as well as other motorists.
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious engine and safety issue with my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with the GM 6.2L engine, with approximately 45,500 miles. The vehicle has developed a noticeable and abnormal shaking/vibration coming from the engine. At the same time, the vehicle experiences a significant loss of power, at times becoming so severe that the engine feels as though it is going to shut off. This is a serious safety concern. A sudden loss of engine power could occur while driving in traffic, accelerating, merging, or traveling at higher speeds. The vehicle may become unable to accelerate properly or could potentially stall, creating a significant risk of a collision. I am concerned that this issue may be related to a defect affecting GM's 6.2L engines. The fact that this is occurring at approximately 45,500 miles is particularly concerning, as an engine should not experience this type of severe shaking and loss of power under normal operating conditions. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate this issue and determine whether there is a safety-related defect affecting the GM 6.2L engine used in the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and other GM vehicles. I am reporting this because I believe the sudden loss of power and potential for the engine to shut off could endanger the occupants of the vehicle as well as other motorists
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious engine and safety issue with my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with the GM 6.2L engine, with approximately 45,500 miles. The vehicle has developed a noticeable and abnormal shaking/vibration coming from the engine. At the same time, the vehicle experiences a significant loss of power, at times becoming so severe that the engine feels as though it is going to shut off. This is a serious safety concern. A sudden loss of engine power could occur while driving in traffic, accelerating, merging, or traveling at higher speeds. The vehicle may become unable to accelerate properly or could potentially stall, creating a significant risk of a collision. I am concerned that this issue may be related to a defect affecting GM's 6.2L engines. The fact that this is occurring at approximately 45,500 miles is particularly concerning, as an engine should not experience this type of severe shaking and loss of power under normal operating conditions. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate this issue and determine whether there is a safety-related defect affecting the GM 6.2L engine used in the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and other GM vehicles. I am reporting this because I believe the sudden loss of power and potential for the engine to shut off could endanger the occupants of the vehicle as well as other motorists
This vehicle has been towed approximately 7 times in the last year. For all instances in [XXX] in 2025, the dealership told us there were no issues. The completed the recall on the L87 and it 'passed'. The dealership then updated the oil to 40W and sent us on our way. We continued to have issues, but it was deemed to be the transmission. We had that relaced earlier this year. On XXX the car shut off again while driving on a highway. Upon this dealership taking a look at it, they have determined the engine has locked up for reasons under the L87 recall. I wanted to note this with the federal safety agency as the recall was completed, but later found that it was not actually corrected through their guidance within the recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Another 6.2 Liter Engine Failure in a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban that is not included in the original Recall affecting 2021 Suburbans Starting March of 2021 this on was purchased in Dec. of 2020.
My engine was initially part of the 6.2L v8 engine recall. The dealer cleared my engine after inspecting it and told me my engine was not affected, but that I had to use corvette engine oil. After my 3rd corvette engine oil change, and two days after having it serviced and getting an all clear inspection from Chevy, the engine blew while going 70 mph on the highway. No warning lights. I looked down at my dash and there was a gray box that said “engine oil pressure low, turn engine off”. By the time I checked my side and rear view mirror I could see clouds of white smoke and other cars flashing me with their headlamps. I was traveling by myself with 4 small children through a very bad part of town. It was frightening. Thankfully we were able to safely pull over and have it towed to Chevy where they confirmed that the engine was blown. Chevy gave me a false sense of security when they told me my engine was not affected. I would never have put my family at risk had I known it was a ticking time bomb.
While coming to a stop on a highway, the engine started running very rough, shaking the vehicle constantly, and the check engine light came on and the ESC failure notice came on. We brought it to an independent repair shop that ran diagnostics and recommended the vehicle needed a new engine and should not be driven for risk of it seizing. They introduced us to the fact that there was a GM recall on this particular engine and production year. Upon taking the vehicle to the local Chevy dealership, they suggested that we first repair a failed cylinder lifter, but that there may also be crankshaft issues, but that it would be costly to determine this for sure and that it was likely more cost effective to replace the whole engine than approach the repairs in order. They also confirmed our VIN was not part of the recall so the replacement engine would be our responsibility. We had the engine replaced back at the independent repair shop. Given the recent recall expansion, I wanted to submit this, as it seems that a broader number of vehicles within the production years of this engine should be considered included in this recall.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban used to tow a 30-foot trailer. The contact stated that while towing the trailer and driving 60 MPH up an incline with no shoulder, the vehicle shut off in a remote area. The contact was able to move the vehicle off the roadway. There were no warning lights illuminated. The brakes and power steering features became inoperable. The vehicle shifted to neutral without driver input. The contact stated that the failure was associated with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A hauling company was contacted to tow the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a claim. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
I had a recall serviced on a Friday which was completed by the dealership. My car sat all weekend and was not driven until Monday AM which was fine. After work, there were several warning lights that popped up and it was making a terrible noise. I was unable to drive home and had to have my car towed to the dealership. Following there inspection, my engine had to be replaced due to a known issue with this engine and GM. Cylinder #2 misfire, lost compression - lifter had spun in guide, camshaft is damaged - engine needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, I was just out of warranty so it was either pay $12,000+ for a new engine or walk away from a car that I love. I just don't understand why if GM knows this is an issue, why there is not some sort of recall on it.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine was idling rough, the Check Engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine rods were bent, causing internal damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 99,000.
Vehicle stalled during routine driving. Code P129F. I was stranded in 95 degree weather with three small children. Please correct and advise ASAP. Had to be towed home. Vehicle inoperable.
Had to replace entire engine for same reason other GM engines are recalled for, the lifters and shifting cylinders. This should also be covered under a recall! It left me and my kids stranded.
My 2021 Chevrolet Suburban experienced a sudden and complete engine failure at approximately 79,000 miles. The vehicle became inoperable and is currently at a dealership pending evaluation. There were no prior warnings indicating an imminent catastrophic failure. A sudden engine failure of this nature presents a significant safety concern, including the risk of loss of propulsion during operation. The failure has been confirmed by the dealership, and no repairs have been authorized at this time pending further review. This complaint is being submitted to document a sudden and severe engine failure and to request evaluation of potential safety-related defects involving internal engine components.
On Friday, March 13, 2026, while traveling at approximately 60 mph on the highway, my 2021 Chevrolet Suburban equipped with an L87 6.2L V8 engine experienced a sudden and complete loss of motive power. The failure sequence began with a dashboard warning prompting me to "press the start button again," followed immediately by the vehicle shifting into neutral without any driver input. Despite repeatedly pressing the accelerator, the vehicle continued to decelerate and could not re-engage drive. A second dashboard warning displaying "engine recall" then appeared mid-incident. Subsequently, the rear wheels locked, forcing the vehicle to coast to a complete stop on the hard shoulder without any brake input required from the driver. Upon coming to a full stop, the start button continued flashing with repeated prompts to press it, the vehicle lock emblem illuminated on the dashboard, and the vehicle became fully and mechanically immobile, unable to shift out of neutral or transition into any other gear. The engine could not power the vehicle at all. My safety and the safety of other motorists were directly and seriously endangered, as the failure occurred without warning in the middle lane of an active highway at highway speed, leaving the vehicle unable to maneuver or accelerate out of harm's way. A responding police officer confirmed the road hazard on scene and remained present to protect the vehicle and occupants while we awaited assistance. The AAA tow truck operator independently concurred upon arrival. The vehicle was transported to Classic Chevrolet, Grapevine, TX, the same day and is currently awaiting full technical inspection by the dealership's service team; an official mechanical diagnosis remains pending. The dealership service advisor has verbally confirmed awareness of an active engine and powertrain/transmission recall affecting this vehicle. The failed component — the L87 6.2L V8 engine and associated drivetrain — is available for inspection
While driving the Engine warning light, service ESC light, and collision light all came on and an engine knock started. I also experienced a loss of power at the same time. Car was taken to local Chevy dealership for evaluation and repair. Dealership advised that they dropped the oil and found metal shavings in the oil. After further investigation, we were advised that it was a crankshaft connecting rod failure. We have an extended warranty and were waiting to hear back on repair coverage. GM denied the repair as this vehicle is not part of the active recall. Our warranty company also denied the repair stating we did not have adequate records of oil changes. Receipts for oil and filters were provided.
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH on the highway, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired out-of-pocket. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
In April of 2022 with 26k miles my vehicle had its first engine failure, Chevrolet dealership had to replace engine lifters due to a known engineering defect with the 2021 6.2 L87 engine. Now in late February 2026 with 80k miles my engine has locked up and requires a brand new engine replacement. For some reason, even though this is a L87 6.2L 2021 engine it is not part of the broader recall for this exact same engine failure for the same engine year and model.
While driving, the engine malfunctioned. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the malfunction. The vehicle has been inspected and repaired by a Chevrolet dealership.
The check engine and traction control light came on in my car. This was accompanied by a clanking sound, shaking. The panel said “ SERVICE ESC” “ service traction control” and “ forward collision system unavailable” The Chevrolet light logo on the back of my car will also not turn off occasionally whenever the car is turned off.
Engine failure at 86,000 miles with documented regular oil change and recommended services
My vehicle was taken in to shop due to recall recommendation I received in GM app for fuel pump control module . After repair was done my engine begin ticking the same day and failed a week later . I documented the whole thing and filed a claim with GM however the dealership that did the repair are not responding to GM . The dealership is alm Chevorlet south in Jonesboro ,GA this vehicle stalled out while I was on the highway . Please help me this vehicle belongs to my limo fleet and this is detrimental to my business . After multiple attempts to get it diagnosed they kept telling me I had to wait in line for weeks out to get it checked out although the problem arose after the new part installation . Then when I brung it back with failed engine soon after they told me that I had to sign a liability release waiver for them to check out the vehicle stating that the vehicle was high mileage and not their fault . The service manager literally instructed me not to leave my vehicle when I wanted to because it would not speed up the process for it to be seen I brung it back when instructed but it was to late because the engine had already failed . They literally forced me to sign a waiver stating that they wouldn’t diagnose it if i didn’t sign the waiver . These people are committing a fraudulent scam and their are unsafe vehicles on the road that arent being treated properly due to these practices . Please contact the dealership and or GM to take this matter more seriously .
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal oil consumption was noticed. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the vehicle was previously taken to a local dealer, where an oil consumption test was performed; however, the contact was advised to bring the vehicle back for further investigation. An appointment with the same local dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
My vehicle is having an oil consumption problem. 2 quarts were missing from my oils consumption test. The dealer is now doing a secondary oil consumption test and I’ve read up and learned that there have been a lot of recalls with the engine and oils changes.
After purchasing the car, the engine oil low light came on after driving about 2,000 miles on a fresh oil change. We took the car to the Chevrolet dealer where they said the engine was over 2 quarts low on oil and recommended a fresh oil change. After another 2,000 miles of driving the low engine oil light came on again. We took it back to the same dealership and started the oil consumption test. After several months of oil checks, it was determined that the engine failed the test and service was recommended and would be covered under warranty. Extensive repairs were performed on the engine including piston replacement. After receiving the car back from repair, we continue to have the engine oil low life light appear after a few thousand miles of driving and have to add 2 quarts of oil to the engine. We contacted the Chevrolet dealership that performed the repairs and they said that prior warranty work would not be covered since we were now out of factory warranty. We were informed that we would have to go through the oil consumption test again and pay for any needed repairs. We're concerned that with investigation EA25007, our engine could experience the bearing failure and cause serious injury.
On January 13, 2026, the engine in my Suburban failed suddenly and completely, rendering the vehicle inoperable without warning. The failure left me stranded with my children, creating a serious safety concern and requiring immediate towing. Prior to that day, the vehicle exhibited no ongoing symptoms, warning lights, or performance issues, aside from a ticking noise that appeared only on the day of failure. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Chevrolet dealership, where it was determined that the engine was damaged beyond repair and required full replacement. I was informed a new engine would need to be ordered, at an estimated cost of approximately $14,000—an extraordinary and unreasonable expense for a vehicle of this age and price point.
Engine is running low on oil all the time. took it to dealer they said, there is sludge build up. Found oil fouling on CYL 3 and and found Spark plugs with excessive oil no external leaks found recommend new engine
The car was driving at 60 MPH on a regular commute to work and the car was stalling and shaking and soon after the check engine light came on with multiple issues.
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